Theatre prices in the UK

[nataliealana]

Posted: 1/29/18 at 3:02pm

Do you think theatres are doing enough to ensure that theatre is accessible to all? 

 

There have been some grumblings on Twitter today due to a price hike in Hamilton tickets. While the West End does offer a lot of last minute ticket deals, these aren't really ideal if you don't live locally.

The wonderful Citz in Glasgow offers world class theatre from 50p and £2 tickets for unemployed and neighbours of the venue. Should more venues be offering a wider range of discounts?

https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/Glasgows-Citizens-Theatre-on-Affordable-Theatre-For-All-20180129

 

[TimWright]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 5:13am

I think it's fair to say there is nuance here- many theatres do try and particularly regionally there's much to be commended. I know the Bristol Old Vic and Tobacco Factory where i'm based do much with schools for instance. 

Broadly though, I am continually dismayed by the commercial theatre producers pricing structures. Hiding behind ticket lotteries or two rows of £10 seats at the back of the gods doesn't cut it in my view. 

[nataliealana]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 5:34am

For me to come down for a London trip, unless I want to brave the Megabus Of Death I need to be booking 12 weeks in advance. I could take my chances with lotteries and ticketing apps but usually what I do is book something in the nosebleeds so I'm guaranteed to see whatever it is I'm coming down for.

The theatres I go to most often are ATG and I'm sad to say the prices are just too high. Unless its some sort of special occasion there are an awful lot of people who won't pay out £45 to see a new musical or Grease yet again. There are opening night offers for card holders but then they inevitably end up on Groupon deals the week before and shows are often still empty.

Recently though they did a promotion for January with 2 for 1 tickets if you work for the emergency services which was a nice idea but we could use more discounts more often.

Or you know, just reasonably priced in the first place.

[TimWright]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 6:46am

I agree. ATG are particularly guilty/ the producers that put the shows in the theatres. 

Wicked is just about arrive in Bristol and top price is £86.50- lowest price £28 (all with the magical £4 transaction fee- that's the fee they levy in order to TAKE YOUR MONEY)

 

[Gary Naylor]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 7:22am

I think some shows are over-priced and some not - especially when one looks at other entertainment options.

There's lots of innovative practices around and I obviously accept that theatre needs to encourage its next generation of audiences. As I wrote in my long comment on the Hamilton piece, I think there are better ways of doing it than break-even prices or allowing those who can already afford the higher prices to hoover up the lower ones.

[TimWright]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 7:35am

It's a really interesting one the relative price of entertainment. I'm an Aston Villa supporter (must have sinned in a previous life) and tickets regularly cost me around £30 for 90mins 'entertainment'. Cinema is another good example of prices going up.

Football is a particularly interesting case in point with fans becoming more well organised to demand a better deal.

 

 

[Gary Naylor]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 7:36am

The organising helped, but the 96 made the difference.

[nataliealana]

Posted: 1/30/18 at 10:07am

I go to a lot of concerts and my dearest ticket for one act this year is £96. And I've paid around that for 4 different shows this summer.

I feel like I can justify it more because I see it as a 'one off' type event rather than a show that is on for a couple of weeks or open ended.

But after writing this out I now think I'm off my head.